External Reviews for Franciscan Estate Chardonnay Napa Valley

Source: We Speak Wine

08/24/2018

Tasting Notes:
Pale yellow, flinty mineral notes with hints of pear compote and vanilla bean, followed by toasted hazelnuts and Meyer lemon curd. Lovely, creamy, and vibrant with honeycrisp apple and pear fruit filling the palate. White nectarine and lemon zest lead to a round and generous mouthfeel with a crisp line of minerality.
Winemaker Notes:
With Chardonnay, Franciscan Estate looks for the sort of richness and opulence that malolactic fermentation and sur lie aging in oak barrels bring. They help to deliver that delicious, creamy complexity for which Franciscan Estate Chardonnay is known. But Chardonnay also needs a foundation and structure for all of that richness and fruit. Minerality is essential. So we turn to cooler vineyards in southern Napa Valley, in particular the Carneros District, where the soil is dense clay. The result is grapes that offer impressive structure and mineral flair. ~ Janet Myers, Winemaker
Aging: Seven months sur lie in small French and American oak barrels; 16% new
Acid: 6.2 g/L
pH: 3.38
Alcohol: 13.5% ** Only 8 in Stock **

Tasting Notes:
Pale yellow, flinty mineral notes with hints of pear compote and vanilla bean, followed by toasted hazelnuts and Meyer lemon curd. Lovely, creamy, and vibrant with honeycrisp apple and pear fruit filling the palate. White nectarine and lemon zest lead to a round and generous mouthfeel with a crisp line of minerality.
Winemaker Notes:
With Chardonnay, Franciscan Estate looks for the sort of richness and opulence that malolactic fermentation and sur lie aging in oak barrels bring. They help to deliver that delicious, creamy complexity for which Franciscan Estate Chardonnay is known. But Chardonnay also needs a foundation and structure for all of that richness and fruit. Minerality is essential. So we turn to cooler vineyards in southern Napa Valley, in particular the Carneros District, where the soil is dense clay. The result is grapes that offer impressive structure and mineral flair. ~ Janet Myers, Winemaker
Aging: Seven months sur lie in small French and American oak barrels; 16% new
Acid: 6.2 g/L
pH: 3.38
Alcohol: 13.5%

Sensory Evaluation:
Appearance: Pale Yellow
Aromas: Flinty mineral notes with hints of pear compote and vanilla bean, followed by toasted hazelnuts and Meyer lemon curd.
Flavors: Lovely, creamy, and vibrant with honeycrisp apple and pear fruit filling the palate. White nectarine and lemon zest lead to a round and generous mouthfeel with a crisp line of minerality.
Winemaker’s notes:
With Chardonnay, Franciscan Estate looks for the sort of richness and opulence that malolactic fermentation and sur lie aging in oak barrels bring. They help to deliver that delicious, creamy complexity for which Franciscan Estate Chardonnay is known. But Chardonnay also needs a foundation and structure for all of that richness and fruit. Minerality is essential. So we turn to cooler vineyards in southern Napa Valley, in particular the Carneros District, where the soil is dense clay. The result is grapes that offer impressive structure and mineral flair. - Janet Myers, Winemaker
Fermentation: Barrel fermented
Aging: Seven months sur lie in small French and American oak barrels; 16% new
pH: 3.38
TA: 6.2g/L
Alcohol: 13.5%

An enticing nose of citrus, rich pear tart, honeydew and toasted hazelnut. A round and full palate, with pineapple, Fuji apple and honey highlights. A long, clean finish with mineral notes, white nectarine and Meyer lemon. Pair it with chicken, pork or seafood.